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Feds halt release of Prop 8 trial video

Julie Small

Hundreds of Proposition 8 opponents fill Civic Center Plaza during a rally to celebrate the ruling to overturn Proposition 8 August 4, 2010 in San Francisco, California. U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker announced his ruling to overturn Proposition 8 finding it unconstitutional. His decision was later overturned. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The video will remain temporarily out of the public view, pending appeal, after the decision by a three-judge panel. Supporters view the decision as a victory for Prop 8, which banned same-sex marriage three years ago. Supporters of Monday's decision say releasing the trial video could place their witnesses at risk of harassment or worse.

Attorneys for two gay couples who’d challenged Prop 8 say the video is a court record and therefore a public record. The federal appeals judges will decide whether to unseal the trial video after they decide whether to reverse the decision to nullify Prop 8. A hearing for the appeal is set for early December.